Remote access.
WHAT SSH IS
An encrypted connection to your server's command line.
WHAT YOU NEED
The server address A username A password or, better, a key
FROM WINDOWS
A terminal client, or the built-in command line on current versions.
FROM MAC OR LINUX
The terminal, directly.
WHAT TO DO ON FIRST CONNECTION
You will be asked to confirm the server's identity. Accept it once; a change later is a warning worth investigating.
USING KEYS INSTEAD OF PASSWORDS
Generate a key pair, put the public key on the server, keep the private key safe.
Then disable password login.
WHY
Passwords are guessed continuously by automated attacks. Keys are not.
WHAT TO PROTECT
Your private key. Anyone with it has your server.
Use a passphrase on it.
IF YOU LOSE ACCESS
Most providers offer console access as a fallback. Know how to reach yours before you need it.
